Genesis 38 · Grade 3
A Broken Promise
Read the Story
Judah left his brothers and married a Canaanite woman. They had three sons: Er, Onan and Shelah. Judah's son Er married Tamar. Er was wicked, and the Lord took his life. Judah told Onan to give Tamar a son for his brother's family line, but he refused, and the Lord took his life too.
Judah told Tamar to wait until Shelah grew up. But Judah never kept his promise. Tamar disguised herself and arranged things so that Judah would have to face what he had done. She kept his seal, cord and staff as proof.
When Judah learned that Tamar was expecting a child, he was ready to punish her harshly. Then she showed him his seal, cord and staff. Judah recognized them and said, She is more righteous than I, because I didn't give her to Shelah, my son. Tamar had twin sons, Perez and Zerah.
Memory Verse
“In the time of her travail, behold, twins were in her womb.”
Genesis 38:27 (WEB)
Answer the Questions
Whom did Judah marry?
What promise did Judah fail to keep?
What three things did Tamar keep as proof?
What did Judah say when he saw the proof?
What were the names of Tamar's twin sons?
Story Order
Write what happened in each box.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you treat someone fairly?
- When do you need to keep your word?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.